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Australia🇦🇺 | hikesCape to Cape Track123 km, two lighthouses, sea stacks, Boranup karri shade | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Cape to Cape Track
👍 Recommendedhike ranked #6
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

Walking the whole Cape to Cape Track in one go or sampling a few sections is the decision that shapes your trip, and it tips on how many days you can spare and whether you can face the logistics. The track runs about 123 kilometers along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste ridge in the southwest of Australia, from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. Cliffs, karri forest and empty beaches are the draw. Public transport to the ends is thin, so book shuttles early and carry cash for them. Soft sand eats time, so pad your daily distances. A Gracetown cafe owner once told me, “Everyone budgets for the walk and forgets the sand.” She was right. Unlike the busier Bibbulmun Track, this one hugs the ocean and resupplies are easier.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Australia Travel Guide.
Best time to go: March - May, September - November
Duration: 6 to 8 days
Distance: 123 kilometers
Total ascent: 1500 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #6 hike in AustraliaThe unique appeal for travelers

Backpackers come for the 123 kilometers of coastline between two lighthouses, with a surprising variety packed into one week. You can walk granite headlands, limestone caves, tall karri forest and long surf beaches without ever leaving the same trail. Towns such as Yallingup, Gracetown and Prevelly sit close to the route, so resupply and a hot meal are rarely more than a day apart. That makes the track forgiving for first-time long-distance walkers. The other big draw is flexibility. The route is cut into short sections, so day walks from Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock suit a weekend, while the full end-to-end hike suits a week. The four track campsites are simple bush sites with water tanks and toilets, and they are free. Whale watching between roughly September and November adds a bonus that few Australian hikes can match.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse: The southern finish, standing where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. It is the tallest mainland lighthouse in Australia, and the point feels like a proper end of the world.
  2. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: The northern start, with a short interpretive walk and sweeping views across Geographe Bay. Tours climb the tower for a small fee.
  3. Sugarloaf Rock: A sea stack just off the coast near the northern section. Red-tailed tropicbirds nest here in spring and summer, and the cliff-top views are superb.
  4. Hamelin Bay: A wide white beach where stingrays often glide through the shallows near the jetty remains. Walkers stop for lunch and a swim.
  5. Boranup Karri Forest: Towering karri trees line a cool, quiet stretch in the south. After the exposed coast, the shade is a relief and the
… read more 👉
  1. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse: The southern finish, standing where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. It is the tallest mainland lighthouse in Australia, and the point feels like a proper end of the world.
  2. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: The northern start, with a short interpretive walk and sweeping views across Geographe Bay. Tours climb the tower for a small fee.
  3. Sugarloaf Rock: A sea stack just off the coast near the northern section. Red-tailed tropicbirds nest here in spring and summer, and the cliff-top views are superb.
  4. Hamelin Bay: A wide white beach where stingrays often glide through the shallows near the jetty remains. Walkers stop for lunch and a swim.
  5. Boranup Karri Forest: Towering karri trees line a cool, quiet stretch in the south. After the exposed coast, the shade is a relief and the light turns golden.
Most visitors rush past the limestone caves near Yallingup and Boranup, yet they are among the quiet highlights of the trip.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Cape to Cape Track

Margaret River, Caves, Wine and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour from Perth

Margaret River, Caves, Wine and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour from Perth

4.2(386) 12h 30m
From €169
per personViator
Mammoth Cave Self-guided Audio Tour (Located in Western Australia)

Mammoth Cave Self-guided Audio Tour (Located in Western Australia)

4.6(137) 1h
From €16.36
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Spring (September to November): Wildflower season, with highs of 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F), cool nights and some showers early on. Whale watching continues into early December near Cape Naturaliste. Days run roughly 11 to 14 hours of light. Most walkers come now, so book campsites ahead.
  • Summer (December to February): Highs of 27 to 32°C (81 to 90°F) with little shade on the coastal sections, fire bans and long days of about 14 hours. Accommodation prices peak around school holidays.
  • Autumn (March to May): Highs of 20 to 27°C (68 to 81°F), settled weather, warm ocean and fewer people. Many consider it the most comfortable time to walk.
  • Winter (June to August): Highs of 15 to 18°C (59 to 64°F), lows near 7°C (45°F), strong storms and rain, and only about 10 hours of daylight. Whales pass from June,
… read more 👉
  • Spring (September to November): Wildflower season, with highs of 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F), cool nights and some showers early on. Whale watching continues into early December near Cape Naturaliste. Days run roughly 11 to 14 hours of light. Most walkers come now, so book campsites ahead.
  • Summer (December to February): Highs of 27 to 32°C (81 to 90°F) with little shade on the coastal sections, fire bans and long days of about 14 hours. Accommodation prices peak around school holidays.
  • Autumn (March to May): Highs of 20 to 27°C (68 to 81°F), settled weather, warm ocean and fewer people. Many consider it the most comfortable time to walk.
  • Winter (June to August): Highs of 15 to 18°C (59 to 64°F), lows near 7°C (45°F), strong storms and rain, and only about 10 hours of daylight. Whales pass from June, accommodation is cheaper, and tracks can be muddy.
Aim for April or October to get mild temperatures and campsites that are not full.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: below average for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
australia-hike-cape-to-cape-track
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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

Best hostels in Australia


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🥾 Hike detailsTrail overview: what to expect on the hike

Total Distance: About 123 kilometers (76 miles) of marked track, running between Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in the north and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in the south.
Estimated Duration: Most walkers take 5 to 7 days end to end. Fit hikers stretch day stages to 25 kilometers or more, while others split it into short day walks.
Difficulty: Moderate. The gradients are gentle, but long stretches of soft beach sand and loose limestone slow you down, and there is little shade.
Starting Point: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, a short drive from Dunsborough. The finish at Cape Leeuwin is near Augusta.
  • Public Transport:
… read more 👉
Total Distance: About 123 kilometers (76 miles) of marked track, running between Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in the north and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in the south.
Estimated Duration: Most walkers take 5 to 7 days end to end. Fit hikers stretch day stages to 25 kilometers or more, while others split it into short day walks.
Difficulty: Moderate. The gradients are gentle, but long stretches of soft beach sand and loose limestone slow you down, and there is little shade.
Starting Point: Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, a short drive from Dunsborough. The finish at Cape Leeuwin is near Augusta.
  • Public Transport: Regional coaches and buses link Perth with Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River. Local shuttle and track-transfer services cover the trailheads, and these need booking ahead.
Major Landmarks:
  • Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse: The northern start, with whale-watching lookouts.
  • Sugarloaf Rock: A sea stack where red-tailed tropicbirds nest.
  • Yallingup and Smiths Beach: Surf breaks and cliff-top sections.
  • Wilyabrup Cliffs: Popular with rock climbers.
  • Hamelin Bay: Calm water, often with stingrays in the shallows.
  • Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse: The southern finish, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.
Terrain and Scenery: Granite and limestone headlands, sand dunes, long empty beaches and cliff edges. Expect several beach walks and some limestone steps and boardwalks.
Vegetation: Coastal heath, peppermint trees, banksias and, inland on the southern sections, tall karri and jarrah forest. Wildflowers peak in spring.
Wildlife: Western gray kangaroos, honeyeaters, ospreys and, from roughly June to December, humpback and southern right whales offshore. Tiger snakes and dugites live here, so watch your footing in warm weather.
Practical Notes: Campsites along the track are basic, with rainwater tanks that can run dry in summer, so carry extra water. The track is waymarked with a white-and-black logo.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

The Cape to Cape Track is well marked and manageable, and most problems come from heat, water and tides. Summer brings long exposed stretches with almost no shade, so start early, carry at least 3 liters, and plan around the limited water points, since tank water at campsites can run low. Fire bans are common in summer, so a gas stove is the safe choice. Soft sand on beach sections slows you down, and some rocky headlands and creek mouths are best crossed at low tide. Never walk close to cliff edges, and stay well back from the water on rocky coast, where freak waves are a real hazard. Snakes (dugites and tiger snakes) are present; wear closed shoes and give them space, and they will leave. Mobile coverage is patchy, so tell someone your itinerary and carry a paper map.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

The full Cape to Cape Track takes most walkers 6 to 8 days to cover its roughly 123 kilometers (76 miles) between Cape Naturaliste near Dunsborough and Cape Leeuwin near Augusta. Fit walkers carrying light packs can do it in 5 days, while 8 days leaves time for swimming and rest stops. Shorter sections of 1 to 3 days, such as Yallingup to Contos, are also popular.
Moderate overall, with no technical climbing but plenty of distance and loose terrain. Days of 15 to 25 kilometers (9 to 15 miles) over soft sand, limestone and some cliff-top ups and downs make a loaded pack tiring, especially in summer heat. Beach sections such as the stretch near Hamelin Bay can be slow going. A reasonable fitness level is needed for the full route.
No guide is needed, as the track is signed with its own triangular track logo and widely walked independently. No permit is required for walking, but the four dedicated track campsites are free and first come, first served, while national park campgrounds such as Conto and Boranup charge a fee and are booked online. Guided and baggage-transfer walks are available if you prefer; they cost much more than self-guided hiking.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Australian hikes near Cape to Cape Track

Explore more nearby:

  • Bibbulmun Track—1,000 km, Kalamunda to Albany, jarrah and karri forest, trail-shelter logbooks| 251 km away
  • Kings Canyon Rim Walk—6 km rim loop, 500-step climb, sandstone domes, dawn start| 1940 km away
  • Larapinta Trail—223 km, West MacDonnells, 12 sections, rock-wallaby gaps| 2165 km away

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Give it six to eight days if you want the full end-to-end walk with time to swim and rest. With only a long weekend, I would pick the Yallingup to Gracetown stretch and skip the rest. Bring a tent, extra water bottles and patience for the soft sand.

✈️ When did I visit Australia?
On my trip to New Zealand in 1993, I had a short stop in Australia as well.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Australia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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